6 Popular 6-String Guitars For Playing Heavy Metal, Reviewed
You can play metal on almost any guitar but it makes a big difference when a guitar is built with metal in mind.
So, if you’re looking for a purpose built shred-machine, or a guitar for playing savage metal riffs – you’re in the right place.
In this post, I’ll be reviewing a number of popular 6-string electric guitars – perfectly suited for playing metal.
A few notes before we get started:
- I won’t be covering extended range guitars such as 7 strings or baritones) and all guitars in this list are factory setup in E standard. For those, be sure to check out my article on extended range guitars.
- This is an independent review. I was not sent any of these guitars. I either own or have tested every guitar on this list.
Let’s take a look at the guitars:
1. Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas
This Pro-Mod San Dimas was the first Charvel I managed to get my hands on.
I’ve always digged Fender Strats, which is probably why I was so attracted to this guitar. Well, also the looks – white body, Maple board, and gold hardware? Yes please!
We’ve got the Alder body, S-type body, and even a fully licensed Strat headstock. They’re even owned by Fender.
So it’s a Fender Strat….
… Only joking – it really isn’t. From a tonal perspective, the Pro-Mod and the Stratocaster are miles apart.
My review of the Charvel Pro-Mod San Dimas (pictured above):
Picking up this guitar for the first time was like being reunited with an old friend. Despite being the first Charvel I’ve played and having a few issues.
The setup in general was solid apart from the intonation – a straightforward fix though.
The main issue I encountered was that this guitar shipped with a dirty fretboard. Sure, it’s par for the course with unfinished necks (well, oiled necks technically) but I haven’t managed to get rid of it. Fortunately it’s not too noticeable.
In terms of playability though, I was immediately impressed. The neck is thin but not too thin. And the locking tuners make string changes a breeze.
What about the tones? This guitar is loaded with A set of Seymour Duncan pickups. A JB in the bridge, and a ‘59 in the neck. They’re pretty hot so delivering brain melting high gain riffs won’t be a problem.
I found these pickups to be better suited to classic rock tones, but they can handle the entire spectrum – even blues. For metal, I do prefer the Seymour Duncan Distortion pickups though.
It’s also worth noting that this is a 22 fret guitar. Scale length is 25.5” so putting it into lower tunings won’t be an issue, especially if you throw on some thicker strings.
And while you may expect this to come with a 5-way switch, it’s a 3 way switch, with the middle position acting as a coil-split.
I’ve currently got mine setup in E flat and it’s my go-to for playing classic rock.
If you’re after a hot-rodded Strat, the Charvel Pro-Mod is well worth checking out.
Alternatives in this range:
The Strat shape is known as “Style 1” in this range. Charvel have a few different options of colours, bridge types (fixed or Floyd), and neck woods. And a few left handed versions.
They also have the Pro-Mod in “Style 2”, which is a Tele shape. They have a bunch of different options in that range too – including a 7 string.
If you prefer having 24 frets, be sure to check out the DK24 range.
2. Jackson Pro Soloist
The Jackson brand is synonymous with the metal genre. My first experience with the brand was more than 10 years ago now when I owned a Jackson Warrior.
In terms of price, the Jackson Pro range is on par with the Ibanez Premium and Charvel Pro-Mod.
I’ve owned a few Jackson’s lower in the range over the years, and the Pro range is a serious step up. Not just in how the guitar feels, but in features.
As with the Charvel, Schecter, and Chapman, you get locking tuners – always helpful for quick string changes.
And you get a pair of hot Seymour Duncan Distortion pickups. Great for classic rock and metal.
My review of the “Jackson Pro Soloist SL2Q HT” (pictured above):
The setup on this guitar was rock-solid. However, I picked this up from my local store and they typically do a setup on every guitar they comes into the store, so take from that what you will. Either way, I was happy with it.
There were a few cosmetic imperfections on the guitar – one mark behind the neck and the routing for the pickups could have been done better. And the fret work could have been slightly better – I could feel the bottom of the frets slightly as I ran my hand down the guitar, but it was hardly noticeable and I can’t tell when I’m actually playing the guitar. So, nothing major there.
I went for the fixed bridge version. I much prefer them to Floyd Roses but they’re an option within this range if that’s your thing.
Together with the locking tuners, the tuning stability on this guitar is spot on.
The Seymour Duncan Distortion pickups are hot so you’ll have plenty of gain on tap (with the right amp, of course). I wasn’t so much a fan of the clean tones with these pickups, but that’s definitely not what I bought it for. Once I cranked the gain, these pickups sounded brutal.
What about playability? This guitar plays great. The neck is nice and thin. I’d say a bit thinner than the Ibanez. And comes with a compound radius fretboard, similar to the Charvel.
The neck is only oiled which I prefer and you get a neck-through body.
Overall, while the QC could have been slightly better, all the important elements that make up this guitar are there. It’s quite the shred-machine!
Alternatives in this range:
Fuchsia Burst isn’t the most “metal” looking colour but it was the only one my local guitar shop had at the time (no, really!)
If that colour isn’t your speed, they have a bunch of different options. Some of which are in different configurations. For example, you’ll find fixed bridges, Floyd Rose trem’s, and a 7 string. And a few signature models from the likes of Mick Thompson and Chris Broderick.
3. Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid
The Hellraiser Hybrid range from Schecter combines features from the Hellraiser and SLS ranges.
They’re typically available in two finishes – a transparent black burst and ultraviolet. And a number of shapes and configurations. That includes a T-style version, if that’s your thing.
Ultraviolet is an unusual colour. Depending on how you look at it, it could be blue or it could be purple. Maybe a bit of both.
Like the Chapman, you get a thru-neck, a great carved top, and useful features such as locking tuners, and even glow-in-the-dark side dots. The Schecter however, comes with a set of EMG 57/66 pickups.
My review of the Schecter Hellraiser Hybrid C-1 (pictured above):
Similar to the Chapman, the setup out of the box was rock-solid. I expected the build quality to be similar since they’re made in the factory – and it was. So that’s a good note in terms of consistency from the folks that build these guitars.
This was my first Schecter so I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I’m used to playing fairly thin necks and the spec for this guitar said “Ultra Thin C Shape”. In reality, the neck was thicker than expecting. I’m more used to Ibanez necks, so if you’re the same, it’s something worth noting about Schecter.
The guitar didn’t come with a case, but considering the spec, that wasn’t an issue for me.
So, what about the tone?
The EMG 57/66 Alnico V pickups sound refined with plenty of clarity. They’re articulate, and as you might expect, are capable of some brutal tones. But, they’re capable of a lot more than just metal. I’m usually not